English 12 Final Exam Copy # DO NOT WRITE ON THE TEST! Mark all answers on the answer sheet only.
Unit 1: From Legend to History
1. Which is the best definition for an epic? A. a long narrative poem that tells a romantic story B. a long narrative poem that tells a heroic story C. a long narrative poem that includes kennings and caesuras D. a long narrative poem from ancient Greece
2. What classic characteristics does Beowulf share with many other legendary heroes? A. His courage helps him to win the respect of ancient gods. B. He is a humorous character, similar to Pecos Bill and other larger-than- life characters of tall tales. C. He is able to accomplish incredible feats of strength. D. He was born to a mortal mother and a father who is a god and he is half man and half wolf. 64 Vocabulary
3. Given the meaning of the Latin root -sol-, what is the best paraphrase of this sentence? I tried to console Aunt Betty during her illness. A. I tried to entertain Aunt Betty during her illness. B. I tried to comfort Aunt Betty during her illness. C. I tried to cure Aunt Betty during her illness. D. I tried to visit Aunt Betty during her illness.
4. Which of these words contains a root or suffix that means “the state of being”? A. helpless B. ruggedness C. supposition D. addition
5. How does the word blockade reflect the meaning of the Latin suffix -ade? A. It “helps” or “makes” a barrier form across a river. B. It is “a gathering of” neighbors who live on the same block. C. It is something that is “lacking” square corners. D. It is a barrier that is “the result of” putting blocks of stone or wood together.
Unit 1: From Legend to History-Literary Analysis and Reading Skills Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
In a summer season when soft was the sun, I clothed myself in a cloak as I shepherd were, Habit like a hermit’s unholy in works, And went wide in the world wonders to hear. But on a May morning on Malvern hills, A marvel befell me of fairy, me thought. I was weary with wandering and went me to rest Under a broad bank by a brook’s side, And as I lay and leaned over and looked into the waters I fell into a sleep for it sounded so merry. from The Vision Concerning Piers Plowman by William Langland
6. What does the narrator suggest about himself in this selection? A. He is a farmer. B. He is a seeker of knowledge. C. He leads a hermit’s life. D. He misses his home.
7. This selection is from an allegorical narrative poem. Knowing this information, what would you most likely expect to find in the poem? A. references to historical events B. both literal and symbolic meaning C. autobiographical elements D. vivid imagery
8. Which of these best describes an allegory such as this one, which warns against the evils of worldly power? A. a satire B. a legend C. an exemplum D. a sermon
Vocabulary
9. Given the meaning of the suffix -tion, what does presumptionmean in this sentence? Leslie regretted her presumption that she would pass the test without studying. A. one who has expectations B. the act of assuming something is true C. an expression of disappointment D. the state of being pleased
10. What is the meaning of apostasyin this sentence, given the meaning of the prefix apo-? Because of the scandal, the senators feared the apostasy of the members of their political party. A. expression of criticism B. takeover by force C. abandonment of a loyalty D. revelation of a secret
11. What is the meaning of batteryin the following sentence? After completing the job application, Ravi took a battery of skill-based tests. A. unlawful beating of a person B. cells that produce and store electricity C. group of related items used as a unit D. an unimportant amount 163 12. What is the meaning of compoundin the following sentence? The family compound is located on fifty wooded acres in Abermarle County. A. word formed from two words B. fenced or walled-in area C. chemical substance made from elements D. agreeable settlement
13. Based on your knowledge of the root -droit-, what is the meaning of adroitnessin the following sentence? Carson admired the adroitness with which his son repaired the computer. A. skill B. speed C. courage D. generosity
14. What does uncertaintymean in this sentence, given the meaning of the root -cert-? Uncertainty about her future income led Mary to adopt a thrifty lifestyle. A. hopefulness B. careful planning C. hidden knowledge D. lack of sureness
Unit 2: Celebrating Humanity-Literary Analysis and Reading Skills
15. Which of these statements is true of sonnets? A. Sonnets usually have just twelve lines but occasionally have fourteen. B. Sonnets are lyric poems in which a speaker expresses thoughts and feelings. C. Every other line in a sonnet usually rhymes. D. Sonnets were popular in Elizabethan times but are no longer written today.
16. Who or what is a psalm most likely to praise? A. the speaker’s beloved B. the king as a hero C. the simple pleasures of rural life D. God
17. How does a parable differ from a sermon? A. A sermon offers religious or moral instruction; a parable usually does not. B. A parable is meant to be told aloud, while a sermon is written to be read. C. A parable uses a story to convey its message; a sermon usually does not. D. A parable is usually chanted or sung, while a sermon is spoken.
Vocabulary
18. From your knowledge of the root -sequent- and your study of sonnets, which statement best defines the literary term sonnet sequence? A. a collection of sonnets by different authors from the same time period B. a series of sonnets treating the same theme or addressing the same person C. ideas that follow one after the other in the lines of one sonnet D. the pattern of end rhymes in a particular sonnet
19. The Greek prefix ana-means “backward.” Why might the appearance of a clock in a Shakespearean play be called anachronistic? A. The clocks during the time of Shakespeare worked differently than modern clocks. B. Shakespeare was cleverly making fun of his audience by suggesting they were “backward,” or uneducated. C. The word refers to a detail that does not belong in a work set in a particular time period. D. Shakespeare always presented his clocks as though they read backward, just to see if his audience was paying attention.
20. Based on your understanding of the root -voc-, what does vocalizemean in this sentence? Because of a mouth injury, he was unable to vocalize his thoughts. A. control B. believe C. think D. speak
21. Which of these words is a synonym for sovereign? A. withered B. languished C. subsequent D. liege
Unit 2: Celebrating Humanity-Literary Analysis and Reading Skills
22. Which literary device enables readers to enjoy sensory experiences in literature? A. irony B. imagery C. theme D. symbolism
23. What is the main reason that authors use imagery in their work? A. Imagery distracts readers from the plot. B. Imagery provides humor in writing. C. Imagery conveys a character’s emotions. D. Imagery can reinforce important ideas.
24. Which is the best example of an inner conflict? A. a small group of people who argue B. a struggle within a single person C. a conflict between a person and nature D. a battle against a stronger force
25. What kind of conflict is experienced by a character who returns to his childhood home to confront painful memories? A. external B. internal C. dramatic D. ironic
26. At which point in a drama or work of fiction does the conflict reach its highest intensity? A. external conflict B. dramatic irony C. climax D. resolution 192 27. According to most people’s beliefs about tragic drama, how does an audience feel after seeing a tragedy? A. annoyed B. fearful C. uplifted D. amused
28. A female character leads a small army to fight a cruel enemy. She leads well, and her army wins. But she herself dies as a result of her inability to control her anger. Which of the following best describes her lack of self-control? A. It is a virtue. B. It is a tragic flaw. C. It is part of her heroic nature. D. It is part of her nobility.
Vocabulary
29. Why might you be perturbedwith a younger brother? A. for being considerate and helpful B. for messing up your desk C. for drawing a picture of a butterfly D. for winning a class spelling bee
30. What is the meaning of the root word shared by the words turbulenceand turbid? A. to last B. to rule C. to design D. to upset 195 31. What behavior would be typical of a malevolentperson? A. fearful B. mean C. innocent D. grateful
32. Which of the following sentences uses the word malformedcorrectly? A. The police officer was furious that he had not been malformed about the traffic light. B. The tomatoes in my grandfather’s garden were malformed this year, but they still tasted great. C. You don’t have to be so malformed—not everything that happens to you is a bad thing! D. Erika felt very malformed when she learned that her test was on Tuesday instead of Wednesday.
33. What is the meaning of the word credulous? A. relieved B. unforgivable C. unintelligible D. quick to believe
34. When Jen misplaced my wallet, she offered a credibleexplanation of what happened. How did her explanation sound? A. It sounded believable. B. It sounded awkward. C. It sounded untruthful. D. It sounded confusing.
Unit 3: A Turbulent Time
35. Which literary term describes one form of fourteen-line lyric poem? A. an epic poem B. an Italian sonnet C. an epigram D. a narrative poem
36. Which of these is a central figure in an epic poem? A. a god or goddess B. a wanderer C. a woman D. a hero
Vocabulary
37. Judging from the meaning of inter-, what is the meaning of interimin this sentence? Until a new election can be held, Bruce Chen will be the interim mayor. A. one in between B. newly elected C. next in line D. part-time
38. In which sentence is an archaic word used correctly? A. How shall I love thy? B. Thine eyes shine like emeralds. C. You hast given me new life. D. Thou words cut me to the quick.
39. What is the most likely meaning of primalin the following sentence? Being true to oneself is primal in making one’s way through life. A. instinctive B. necessary C. to be desired D. ranked highest 113 40. Judging from the meaning of -lum-, what is the meaning of luminescentin the following sentence? Seeing Foster’s luminescent smile, his friends did not have to ask if he had won. A. shining B. uncomfortable C. puzzling D. forced
41. What is the meaning of breachin the following sentence? Dr. Warren accused the hospital of a breach of contract in its refusal to pay him. A. movement B. change C. honoring D. breaking
42. What is the meaning of disorderin the following sentence, based on your knowledge of the meanings of the prefix dis-? The article in the medical journal described a disorder of the nervous system. A. something related to the body B. interruption of a procedure C. problem of not functioning normally D. illness with no apparent cause
Unit 3: A Turbulent Time Vocabulary
43. Based on your knowledge of the Latin root -jec-, what does the word injectmean? A. force into something B. make a guess C. throw away D. send into the air
44. Which of the following words is related to political science? A. oppose B. patrician C. scoundrels D. enervating 233 45. Based on your knowledge of the Latin root -dict-, what does verdictmean? A. a jury’s spoken decision B. a rare book collection C. a word from a song D. a summary of a paragraph
46. If you know that circumnavigating the globe is traveling around it, what does the Latin prefix circum- mean? A. travel B. globe C. under D. around
47. Based on your knowledge of the Latin root -spec-, what does spectatormean? A. an observer B. an athlete C. a shopper D. a leader
48. Based on your knowledge of the prefix en-, what does enablemean? A. weaken B. make possible C. agree to D. go inside
Unit 4: Rebels and Dreamers-Literary Analysis and Reading Skills
49. What is the main purpose an author would have for using symbols? A. to provide a concrete example of something intangible B. to support a point by providing specific details C. to appeal to the reader’s emotions D. to create an unresolved puzzle
50. Which characteristic is typical of a lyric poem? A. It has more than one speaker. B. It expresses loss of faith in both science and reason. C. It tells a story. D. It conveys personal emotions and observations.
Read this selection from Wuthering Heights, a novel by nineteenth-century British author EmilyBrontë. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Yesterday afternoon set in misty and cold. I had half a mind to spend it by my study fire, instead of wading through heath1 and mud to Wuthering Heights. [Nevertheless,] I took my hat, and, after a four miles’ walk, arrived at Heathcliff’s garden gate just in time to escape the first feathery flakes of a snow shower. On that bleak hilltop the earth was hard with a black frost, and the air made me shiver through every limb. Being unable to remove the chain, I jumped over, and, running up the flagged causeway bordered with straggling gooseberry bushes, knocked vainly for admittance, till my knuckles tingled, and the dogs howled. . . .
51. What aspects of the setting show the influence of the Gothic tradition? A. It is simple and rural. B. It includes a sheep farm. C. It is humble and shabby. D. It is forbidding and frightening.
52. Based on the selection details, what do you predict Heathcliff will be like? A. happy-go-lucky B. creepy and troubled C. childlike and innocent D. rich and bored 80 Read these stanzas from “The Tables Turned” by William Wordsworth. Then, answer the questions that follow.
One impulse from a vernalwood May teach you more of man, Of moral evil and of good, Than all the sages can. Sweet is the lore which Nature brings; Our meddling intellect Misshapes the beauteous forms of thing: We murder to dissect. Enough of Science and of Art; Close up these barren leaves; Come forth, and bring with you a heart That watches and receives.
53. What Romantic message about nature do the stanzas convey? A. Nature does not care about human suffering. B. Nature can be menacing as well as comforting. C. Nature is the best teacher. D. Nature renews itself every year.
54. Which of these qualities of English Romanticism do the stanzas display? A. celebration of common people B. an admiration for nature C. loss of faith in reason and science D. interest in the supernatural
55. How does the speaker’s style reflect the influence of English Romanticism? A. He uses direct language to express strong feelings. B. He is thoughtful and unemotional. C. He speaks spontaneously, without much thought. D. He is scientific and scholarly.
56. Which of the following is a quality of an effective guidebook? A. It includes fictional information as well as facts about its subject. B. It focuses on expressing strong personal feelings about its subject. C. It provides historical and practical information about its subject. D. It does not include any sort of illustration or graphic aid.
57. What do you call a drawing or plan that breaks down a larger topic by indicating all parts and explaining the relationship between them? A. a dialect B. an essay C. a diagram D. a guidebook 81 Vocabulary
58. Based on your understanding of the root -spir-, which phrase would best replace the word inspire? A. to breathe into B. to draw a circle C. to take place D. to add air to
59. To loatheis to find hateful or disgusting. Which of these do you think most people find loathsome? A. an ugly insect B. a skillful painting C. a humorous comic D. a gorgeous view
60. Based on your knowledge of the suffix -some, which meaning would you choose for the word worrisome? A. annoying B. final C. tending to create anxiety D. in a repeating pattern
61. Which of these words is related to the word phantasm? A. fantastic B. pharmacy C. fan D. frantic
62. From your understanding of words that come from the Greek atomos, what do you think an atomizeris? A. a ghostly presence B. a person who expresses doubt or uncertainty about something C. a breathless wind D. a device that shoots out a spray of small particles
Unit 4: Rebels and Dreamers Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
All men will grant that the happiness of the human species is the most desirable object for human science to promote; and that intellectual and moral happiness or pleasure is extremely to be preferred to those which are precarious and transitory. The methods which may be proposed for the attainment of this object, are various. If it could be proved that a sound political institution was of all others the most powerful engine for promoting individual good, or on the other hand that an erroneous and corrupt government was the most formidable adversary to the improvement of the species, it would follow that politics was the first and most important subject of human investigation. from Of the Importance of Political Institutions by William Godwin
63. What assumptions about society does the selection reveal? A. Political institutions should promote human happiness. B. Many different methods of government are appropriate. C. Individual freedom is more important than social harmony. D. Aristocrats are more capable in handling government business. 197 64. Why might the selection be described as political commentary? A. It uses persuasive devices. B. It offers opinions on political issues. C. It presents one political preference. D. It supports one type of political institution.
65. What can you do before reading to help you engage the material better? A. ask someone to read it to you B. assume that the author is not serious C. discuss ideas for a paper on the topic D. consider what you know about the topic
Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
It may fairly be questioned, whether government be not still more considerable in its incidental effects, than in those intended to be produced. Vice, for example, depends for its existence upon the existence of temptation. May not a good government strongly tend to extirpate [remove], and a bad one to increase the mass of temptation? Again, vice depends for its existence upon the existence of error. May not a good government by taking away all restraints upon the enquiring mind hasten, and a bad one by its patronage of error procrastinate the discovery and establishment of truth? from Of the Importance of Political Institutions by William Godwin
66. What argument does the author make about the existence of temptation in society? A. The majority of people are tempted to do evil, regardless of the type of government. B. Poor governments increase temptations to break the law. C. When governments procrastinate, they lead citizens into criminal activities. D. A government must be strong enough to control the activities of all its citizens.
67. Which of the following is most likely to be the subject of a social commentary? A. weather patterns in parts of the country B. treatment of children in the workplace C. entertainment personality updates D. highlights from sporting events 198 Vocabulary
68. Based on your knowledge of the Latin suffix -age, what does the word pilgrimagemean? A. condition of age B. settling in America C. state of being imprisoned D. journey to a sacred place
69. If you are an impulsiveshopper, what do you often do when you are in a store? A. ask other people’s advice about buying things B. buy things on the spur of the moment C. shop only on rare occasions D. take lots of time to consider each purchase
70. If the food at a picnic is plenteous, which of the following is true? A. There may not be enough food. B. There is more than enough food. C. The food is attracting insects. D. The food does not taste good.
71. Which of the following materials is porous? A. a kitchen sponge B. a wall clock C. a light bulb D. a ceiling fan
72. Based on the meaning of the root word -journ-, which of the following offers the best description of a sojourn? A. a time of rest B. an essay C. travel abroad D. a guidebook
73. If you have just adjourneda meeting, what will most of the people in the room do? A. raise their hands with questions B. quiet down and listen to you C. tell you whether or not they can attend D. get up and leave the room
74. Based on the meaning of the Latin root -dec-, how are the individuals in a deciledivided? A. into groups of 5 B. into groups of 10 C. into groups of 50 D. into groups of 100 199 75. Based on the meaning of the Latin root -fort-, what kind of a structure is a fortification? A. small and delicate B. elaborate and elegant C. strong and secure D. artistic and creative
Unit 5: Progress and Decline-Literary Analysis and Reading Skills Read the poem. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Oh, to be in England Now that April’s there, And whoever wakes in England Sees, some morning, unaware, That the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf Round the elm-tree bole are in tiny leaf, While the chaffinch sings on the orchard bough In England—now! “Home-Thoughts, from Abroad” by Robert Browning
76. What is the poet’s message? A. The chaffinch likes to sing in an orchard. B. Spring is a beautiful season. C. It is wonderful to be in England in the spring. D. England has unique trees to view.
77. What inference can you make about the speaker based on the mood of the poem? A. The speaker is a naturalist. B. The speaker is Robert Browning. C. The speaker is English. D. The speaker misses England.
78. What conclusion can you draw about the chaffinch? A. The chaffinch is found in England. B. The chaffinch awakens in the evenings. C. The chaffinch has a lovely song. D. The chaffinch is a rare and precious bird.
79. Which word best describes the mood of the poem? A. joyous B. longing C. bitter D. sad 136 80. In a novel of social criticism, what is the author’s main purpose? A. to explain B. to persuade C. to describe D. to inform
81. What is the goal of journalistic essays? A. to reveal the author’s personal feelings B. to expose wrongdoing C. to describe other writers D. to provide opinions on important events
82. Which of the following sentences includes emotive language? A. Pollution is a cruel example of what we have done to mother earth. B. Seen from space, the earth looks like a blue marble. C. Our planet is mostly water but also contains masses of land. D. Scientists study species to determine which ones have become extinct.
83. Why do writers use emotive language? A. to express their biases B. for emotional effect C. to make facts more interesting D. for important subjects
Vocabulary
84. What is the origin of many medieval English words, such as knight? A. Slavic B. Greek C. Anglo-Saxon D. Old Norse
85. Based on your knowledge of the Latin suffix -ence, how would a person act who displays reticenceabout discussing his or her personal life? A. He or she would be hesitant. B. He or she would be talkative. C. He or she would be joyous. D. He or she would be secretive.
86. Based on your knowledge of the Greek prefix mono-, what does monotonemean? A. an ugly sound B. a duet C. a single tone of voice D. a tuning chord
87. If you know that someone who is overbearing is domineering, what is the mostly likely meaning of the Latin root -domi-? A. weight B. half C. truth D. world
88. Based on the context of the following sentence, what is the most likely definition for the italicized word that has to do with the bodily humors? Jodi had failed her driving test once before, but she had studied hard this time, so she was sanguine. A. hopeful B. doubtful C. uncertain D. lazy 139 89. Based on your knowledge of the Latin root -terr(a)-, what does terraqueousmean? A. all water B. all land C. land and water D. air and water
90. Which phrase is synonymous with “coined word”? A. word having to do with money B. invented word C. poetic word D. word that is defined
Unit 6: A Time of Rapid Change-Literary Analysis and Reading Strategy Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
The cheese-mites asked how the cheese got there, And warmly debated the matter; The Orthodox said that it came from the air, And the Heretics said from the platter. They argued it long and they argued it strong, And I hear they are arguing now; But of all the choice spirits who lived in the cheese, Not one of them thought of a cow. “A Parable” by Arthur Conan Doyle
91. In the early twentieth century, what were Modernist poems a reaction to? A. changing opinions about education B. a confusing, fragmented world C. a return to simpler ways of life D. the rise of the middle class
92. Which of these does the cheese in this selection likely symbolize? A. religious faith B. the world C. food D. ideas
93. Which lines from the selection best help you interpret the poem’s theme? A. lines 1 and 2 B. lines 3 and 4 C. lines 5 and 6 D. lines 7 and 8
94. Which of these best defines theme in a literary work? A. the central concern of the work B. the author’s attitude toward the subject C. a reader’s response to the work D. the overall mood of a work
Vocabulary
95. Based on your knowledge of the root -ques-, what is the meaning of questin the following sentence: “The knights in the story were on a quest for the Holy Grail”? A. battle B. errand C. search D. ship
96. What is the meaning of fracturedin the following sentence, based on your knowledge of the root -fract-? The fractured marriage of the two celebrities came as no surprise to the public. A. secret B. sudden C. broken D. unlikely
97. Based on your knowledge of the root -top-, what is the meaning of topographicalin the following sentence? From a desk drawer, Ted withdrew topographical maps of New Zealand. A. describing political groups B. showing surface features C. showing major cities D. covering various subjects 96 98. With which of these is the word dominionin the following sentence most likely connected? The villagers feared dominion by the king, who was said to be cruel. A. politics B. science C. mathematics D. philosophy
99. Based on your knowledge of the root -loc-, what is the meaning of localein the following sentence? Jade figured that a college campus was the perfect locale for a climbing gym? A. excuse B. plan C. reason D. place
Unit 6: A Time of Rapid Change-Literary Analysis and Reading Skills
100. Which of the following is an example of a cultural conflict? A. a child wants to take on social responsibilities that he or she may be too young to handle B. an immigrant wants a child to follow old-country customs that the child wants to abandon C. a farm family battles to save its small farm from the company that is trying to buy it D. a college graduate struggles to come to a decision about which career path to follow
Read this speech. Then, answer the questions that follow. (1) A hundred years ago today, Governor James Morris passed into law the Helping Hand Act to help the citizens of our state at a time of great need. (2) Flood had ravaged much of the region; lives had been devastated; homes and businesses had been destroyed. (3) The Helping Hand Act provided funds for food, water, temporary shelter, cleanup, and construction. (4) Today, our state is again facing great devastation. (5) People are losing higher-paying jobs in record numbers. (6) As governor of your state, I have therefore chosen to follow in the footsteps of James Morris, proposing a bill to deal with this crisis. (7) I call this bill the Second Helping. (8) I call on all good citizens of our state to give this bill their support, and I call on our state legislators to pass it.
101. What is the main point made in this speech? A. The state legislature is no longer the honorable body that it once was. B. The speaker cares for the citizens and hopes to be reelected. C. The state needs Second Helping today just as it needed the Helping Hand Act in the past. D. James Morris was a great governor of the past.
102. What is the occasion of this speech? A. the hundredth anniversary of passage of the Helping Hand Act B. the annual opening of the state legislature C. the need to persuade voters to reelect the governor D. a gathering of political supporters working on the governor’s reelection
103. Which of these questions should a listener ask about how this speech might affect citizens? A. Why did the governor call the plan Second Helping? B. What is the role of the state legislature? C. When did James Morris serve as governor? D. How much of a tax increase does the governor’s plan involve? 1 Read this short story. Then, answer the questions that follow.
When the British-Nigerian Petroleum Company sent a crew to Okike to hunt for oil, the people of Okike were thrilled about the boost it would give their economy. Then they saw that the crew planned to dig right across the path leading to their ancestral burying ground. An old villager came to John Drake, the head of the crew. “You must not dig there,” he told Drake, “for that is the path on which our dead relatives leave this world and our new children come in. “I will explain with a little story. This same path goes through the hospital grounds, and the villagers have always had the right of way. One year a new administrator came. He put up a fence to keep villagers from walking across the hospital grounds. There were three women in the hospital due to have babies. The babies did not come. No one could explain why they were late. Finally, many villagers tore down the fence and began walking the path again.” “And what happened next?” asked Drake. “The babies were born soon afterwards,” said the old man, “or so I am told—for I was one of them.” “All right,” said Drake, respectfully. “We will bypass your path.” “Then you are welcome to begin,” said the old man.
104. What is the central conflict of the story? A. traditional customs vs. modern commercial ways B. people who do not value wealth vs. people who do C. an older generation vs. a younger generation D. a known language vs. an unfamiliar language
105. Which of these plot devices does the story contain? A. stream of consciousness B. surprise ending C. multiple versions of the same events D. story within a story
106. Which statement best expresses the theme of the story? A. Human beings can take comfort from nature if they learn to appreciate its beauty. B. Birth and death are both key parts in the natural cycle of life. C. Modern life goes more smoothly when traditional beliefs and values are respected. D. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Read this excerpt from a story. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Brenda had not seen her old home in some time but had heard that the new owner was having a lot of work done. Now she wheeled her chair down the road to see for herself. Oh, what a ridiculous gate stood at the foot of the drive! And the driveway had become a sweeping semicircle. Her father had built this house, and now it was being turned into a pretentious mansion. And was that a pool house they were building? For a heated indoor monstrosity! Her thoughts were interrupted by the sight of a middle-aged man walking down the drive—the new owner, she supposed. “Hello,” Brenda said. “I was curious to see what you were building. My dad built this house. I live down the road now.”
“You’re welcome to take a look,” the man said. “Gate’s a bit much, isn’t it? Contractor went overboard, I’m afraid. And we had the driveway redone to make room for the pool house.” “That will be nice,” Brenda replied, a false smile pasted on her face. “It will, indeed. For my wife’s daily swims. She’s in a wheelchair just like you . . . the doctor recommended light swimming.” His smile was genuine. “You might come by and join her, if you can. I mean, you’re more than welcome.” Brenda was shocked. How wrong about this man she had been!
107. Where in the selection does Brenda’s stream of consciousness start? A. the sentence beginning, “Oh, what a ridiculous gate” B. the sentence beginning, “And the driveway” C. the sentence beginning, “Her father had built” D. the sentence beginning, “I was curious”
108. Which of these pictures do the selection details paint? A. a huge mansion with a pool house being constructed beside it B. a road across an empty landscape, with a single home on it C. an overly decorated gate at the foot of a semicircular driveway D. a middle-aged woman in a wheelchair who lives in a mansion
109. Which of these experiences can best help you relate to the character of Brenda? A. moving to a new home B. swimming in an indoor pool C. studying local architecture D. visiting a place you recall from childhood
110. What epiphany does Brenda have at the end of the selection? A. She realizes that she is more independent than she thought. B. She realizes that her old home has not changed very much at all. C. She realizes that it is time to stop thinking about the past. D. She realizes that she has completely misjudged the new owner.
Vocabulary
111. Which of the following is generally a laudableachievement? A. winning a prize B. tripping over a rock C. falling asleep D. losing a glove 224 112. Which of the following are durablegoods? A. marshmallows B. tissue paper C. refrigerators D. oranges
113. Based on your understanding of the Latin root -mort-, what is a mortalillness? A. an illness that goes on for a long time B. an illness that puzzles doctors C. a childhood illness D. an illness that generally results in death
114. Based on your understanding of the Latin root -vinc-, what is an invinciblearmy? A. an army that has just been defeated B. an army that cannot be defeated C. an army that needs better leadership D. an army that needs better supplies
115. Which of these adjectives best describes a person who is a skeptic? A. enthusiastic B. innocent C. doubting D. unwise
116. The Latin root -vert- or -vers- can mean “to turn.” Which of these words probably means “turned against the speaker” or “opposite from what was previously stated”? A. obverse B. transverse C. divert D. vertical
117. Which sentence uses whoor whomcorrectly? A. The character whom the novel explores in depth is an old woman. B. The woman, who we meet in the first chapter, tells a story within the story. C. She is the character about who we learn through stream of consciousness. D. After her epiphany, she is no longer the person whom she was before.
Unit 6: A Time of Rapid Change Read this short story. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Father, a man of rigid ways, grew even more rigid after Mother died. He sat brooding over the state of England. A diehard Tory, he believed in neither government assistance programs nor charity. “People should do for themselves,” was his motto. “Gives them stamina!” Then the Second World War broke out, and even Father realized that he had to pitch in a little. He agreed to house children being evacuated from London’s East End, which the Germans were bombing heavily. “Don’t know what I’ll do with ’em,” Father grumbled. “Two lads coming. Foreigners, no doubt. Likely to stink of cabbage and garlic.” Six months later, when I again had leave, I took the train up and found Father at dinner with young Jacob and Leon Sutton. After introductions were made, I noticed several of the dishes. “Cabbage, Father?” I asked. “Well, yes, like to make the lads feel at home,” Father explained a bit sheepishly. “And it turns out I make a nice little cabbage dish!” “And do I detect garlic in the meat?” I asked, a twinkle in my eye. “Eat it, Tom; it’s good for you,” Father ordered. “Gives you stamina!”
118. What change occurs in the story’s most dynamic character or characters? A. The father loses his rigid attitudes and becomes more open minded. B. The son realizes that his father is not the powerful person he once was. C. The Sutton boys escape the dangers of war-torn London. D. The Germans attack part of the city of London.
119. How does the first-person narration affect our understanding of the story’s characters? A. We learn all the details of the father’s internal conflict. B. We learn all the details of the war and its effects on the Sutton boys. C. We do not learn all the details of the father’s internal conflict. D. We do not learn the son’s thoughts and perceptions about his father.
120. How does the central conflict help dramatize or illustrate the theme? A. The father’s internal struggle with his prejudices reflects the theme of social change. B. The Sutton boys’ struggle to survive reflects the theme of survival during warfare. C. The son’s struggle with enemy forces reflects his need to understand his father. D. The government’s request for help from people reflects the change in the nation.
121. How is the theme enhanced by the historical context of World War II? A. The war advances the fields of science and technology. B. The war brings people in England together, creating a climate for social change. C. The war causes the son to reevaluate his relationship with his father. D. The war teaches the characters the survival skills they need.
Read this brief prophetic essay. Then, answer the questions that follow.
(1) In the not-too-distant future, computer use will become even more widespread than it is today. (2) Tiny computer chips in your clothing will monitor your health and body temperature; computer chips in your wristwatch will allow you to use the Internet. (3) Your refrigerator will tell you when you are low on milk and will even contact the local supermarket computer to place your order.3(4) Yet the Computer Age is not without its drawbacks. (5) Computer usage will limit physical exercise, so that obesity is bound to become even more of a health problem. (6) In addition, the use of computers will mean a loss of millions of jobs. (7) For example, instead of using a travel agent to book a trip, more people will book it directly on the Internet. (8) Computerized robots will come to assist more and more workers. (9) However, jobs requiring judgment and common sense will still be done by human beings.
122. Which statement best summarizes the prediction the writer makes in this essay? A. Computers will be used more in the future, bringing both advantages and drawbacks. B. In the near future, there will be more computer chips practically everywhere. C. The Computer Age is not without its drawbacks. D. Computers can never replace human beings in tasks requiring judgment.
123. Which of the following sentences gives the strongest warning about a problem in the future? A. sentence 2 B. sentence 3 C. sentence 4 D. sentence 5
124. In judging the writer’s message in sentence 5, which of these personal experiences would it be best for the reader to consider? A. experiences with high-protein crash diets B. experiences with weight problems caused by lack of exercise C. experiences with using computers for on-line shopping D. experiences learning how to drive
125. In challenging the statement in sentence 6, which phrase should you most question? A. In addition B. the use of computers C. a loss D. millions of
Vocabulary
126. Given the meaning of -vol-and the context clues in this sentence, what does volitionmeans? No persuasion was necessary; she did her homework based on her own volition. A. self-control B. enjoyment C. forced behavior D. free will 361 127. Based on your knowledge of Latin roots, why do you think some dogs are named Fido? A. to emphasize their speed B. to emphasize their beauty C. to emphasize their loyalty D. to emphasize their loud bark
128. Which of the following is a patronizingremark? A. That’s a nice gold chain you’re wearing; I didn’t realize you could afford one. B. I never buy gold chains because I cannot afford them. C. I am not sure why people bother wearing gold chains instead of buying more sensible things. D. I couldn’t afford to buy a gold chain, but I could afford a silver one.
129. From your knowledge of the prefix a-, how do you think atonalmusic would sound? A. sweet and melodic B. harsh and clashing C. memorable D. catchy but loud
130. From your knowledge of the word parts -duc-and -ible, what is a deductibleexpense? A. one that you can remove from the total B. one that you add to the total C. one that you would like to avoid D. one that you cannot avoid
131. Explain how the meaning of the Latin root -fil-is reflected in the word affiliation. A. An affiliation suggests a close relationship. B. An affiliation suggests deep feelings of love. C. An affiliation suggests involvement in a charity. D. An affiliation suggests deep dislike.
Unit 1: From Legend to History
1. Which is the best definition for an epic?
A. a long narrative poem that tells a romantic story
B. a long narrative poem that tells a heroic story
C. a long narrative poem that includes kennings and caesuras
D. a long narrative poem from ancient Greece
2. What classic characteristics does Beowulf share with many other legendary heroes?
A. His courage helps him to win the respect of ancient gods.
B. He is a humorous character, similar to Pecos Bill and other larger-than- life characters of tall tales.
C. He is able to accomplish incredible feats of strength.
D. He was born to a mortal mother and a father who is a god and he is half man and half wolf.
64
Vocabulary
3. Given the meaning of the Latin root -sol-, what is the best paraphrase of this sentence? I tried to console Aunt Betty during her illness.
A. I tried to entertain Aunt Betty during her illness.
B. I tried to comfort Aunt Betty during her illness.
C. I tried to cure Aunt Betty during her illness.
D. I tried to visit Aunt Betty during her illness.
4. Which of these words contains a root or suffix that means “the state of being”?
A. helpless
B. ruggedness
C. supposition
D. addition
5. How does the word blockade reflect the meaning of the Latin suffix -ade?
A. It “helps” or “makes” a barrier form across a river.
B. It is “a gathering of” neighbors who live on the same block.
C. It is something that is “lacking” square corners.
D. It is a barrier that is “the result of” putting blocks of stone or wood together.
Unit 1: From Legend to History-Literary Analysis and Reading Skills
Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
In a summer season when soft was the sun,
I clothed myself in a cloak as I shepherd were,
Habit like a hermit’s unholy in works,
And went wide in the world wonders to hear.
But on a May morning on Malvern hills,
A marvel befell me of fairy, me thought.
I was weary with wandering and went me to rest
Under a broad bank by a brook’s side,
And as I lay and leaned over and looked into the waters
I fell into a sleep for it sounded so merry.
from The Vision Concerning Piers Plowman by William Langland
6. What does the narrator suggest about himself in this selection?
A. He is a farmer.
B. He is a seeker of knowledge.
C. He leads a hermit’s life.
D. He misses his home.
7. This selection is from an allegorical narrative poem. Knowing this information, what would you most likely expect to find in the poem?
A. references to historical events
B. both literal and symbolic meaning
C. autobiographical elements
D. vivid imagery
8. Which of these best describes an allegory such as this one, which warns against the evils of worldly power?
A. a satire
B. a legend
C. an exemplum
D. a sermon
Vocabulary
9. Given the meaning of the suffix -tion, what does presumptionmean in this sentence? Leslie regretted her presumption that she would pass the test without studying.
A. one who has expectations
B. the act of assuming something is true
C. an expression of disappointment
D. the state of being pleased
10. What is the meaning of apostasyin this sentence, given the meaning of the prefix apo-? Because of the scandal, the senators feared the apostasy of the members of their political party.
A. expression of criticism
B. takeover by force
C. abandonment of a loyalty
D. revelation of a secret
11. What is the meaning of batteryin the following sentence? After completing the job application, Ravi took a battery of skill-based tests.
A. unlawful beating of a person
B. cells that produce and store electricity
C. group of related items used as a unit
D. an unimportant amount
163
12. What is the meaning of compoundin the following sentence? The family compound is located on fifty wooded acres in Abermarle County.
A. word formed from two words
B. fenced or walled-in area
C. chemical substance made from elements
D. agreeable settlement
13. Based on your knowledge of the root -droit-, what is the meaning of adroitnessin the following sentence? Carson admired the adroitness with which his son repaired the computer.
A. skill
B. speed
C. courage
D. generosity
14. What does uncertaintymean in this sentence, given the meaning of the root -cert-? Uncertainty about her future income led Mary to adopt a thrifty lifestyle.
A. hopefulness
B. careful planning
C. hidden knowledge
D. lack of sureness
Unit 2: Celebrating Humanity-Literary Analysis and Reading Skills
15. Which of these statements is true of sonnets?
A. Sonnets usually have just twelve lines but occasionally have fourteen.
B. Sonnets are lyric poems in which a speaker expresses thoughts and feelings.
C. Every other line in a sonnet usually rhymes.
D. Sonnets were popular in Elizabethan times but are no longer written today.
16. Who or what is a psalm most likely to praise?
A. the speaker’s beloved
B. the king as a hero
C. the simple pleasures of rural life
D. God
17. How does a parable differ from a sermon?
A. A sermon offers religious or moral instruction; a parable usually does not.
B. A parable is meant to be told aloud, while a sermon is written to be read.
C. A parable uses a story to convey its message; a sermon usually does not.
D. A parable is usually chanted or sung, while a sermon is spoken.
Vocabulary
18. From your knowledge of the root -sequent- and your study of sonnets, which statement best defines the literary term sonnet sequence?
A. a collection of sonnets by different authors from the same time period
B. a series of sonnets treating the same theme or addressing the same person
C. ideas that follow one after the other in the lines of one sonnet
D. the pattern of end rhymes in a particular sonnet
19. The Greek prefix ana-means “backward.” Why might the appearance of a clock in a Shakespearean play be called anachronistic?
A. The clocks during the time of Shakespeare worked differently than modern clocks.
B. Shakespeare was cleverly making fun of his audience by suggesting they were “backward,” or uneducated.
C. The word refers to a detail that does not belong in a work set in a particular time period.
D. Shakespeare always presented his clocks as though they read backward, just to see if his audience was paying attention.
20. Based on your understanding of the root -voc-, what does vocalizemean in this sentence? Because of a mouth injury, he was unable to vocalize his thoughts.
A. control
B. believe
C. think
D. speak
21. Which of these words is a synonym for sovereign?
A. withered
B. languished
C. subsequent
D. liege
Unit 2: Celebrating Humanity-Literary Analysis and Reading Skills
22. Which literary device enables readers to enjoy sensory experiences in literature?
A. irony
B. imagery
C. theme
D. symbolism
23. What is the main reason that authors use imagery in their work?
A. Imagery distracts readers from the plot.
B. Imagery provides humor in writing.
C. Imagery conveys a character’s emotions.
D. Imagery can reinforce important ideas.
24. Which is the best example of an inner conflict?
A. a small group of people who argue
B. a struggle within a single person
C. a conflict between a person and nature
D. a battle against a stronger force
25. What kind of conflict is experienced by a character who returns to his childhood home to confront painful memories?
A. external
B. internal
C. dramatic
D. ironic
26. At which point in a drama or work of fiction does the conflict reach its highest intensity?
A. external conflict
B. dramatic irony
C. climax
D. resolution
192
27. According to most people’s beliefs about tragic drama, how does an audience feel after seeing a tragedy?
A. annoyed
B. fearful
C. uplifted
D. amused
28. A female character leads a small army to fight a cruel enemy. She leads well, and her army wins. But she herself dies as a result of her inability to control her anger. Which of the following best describes her lack of self-control?
A. It is a virtue.
B. It is a tragic flaw.
C. It is part of her heroic nature.
D. It is part of her nobility.
Vocabulary
29. Why might you be perturbedwith a younger brother?
A. for being considerate and helpful
B. for messing up your desk
C. for drawing a picture of a butterfly
D. for winning a class spelling bee
30. What is the meaning of the root word shared by the words turbulenceand turbid?
A. to last
B. to rule
C. to design
D. to upset
195
31. What behavior would be typical of a malevolentperson?
A. fearful
B. mean
C. innocent
D. grateful
32. Which of the following sentences uses the word malformedcorrectly?
A. The police officer was furious that he had not been malformed about the traffic light.
B. The tomatoes in my grandfather’s garden were malformed this year, but they still tasted great.
C. You don’t have to be so malformed—not everything that happens to you is a bad thing!
D. Erika felt very malformed when she learned that her test was on Tuesday instead of Wednesday.
33. What is the meaning of the word credulous?
A. relieved
B. unforgivable
C. unintelligible
D. quick to believe
34. When Jen misplaced my wallet, she offered a credibleexplanation of what happened. How did her explanation sound?
A. It sounded believable.
B. It sounded awkward.
C. It sounded untruthful.
D. It sounded confusing.
Unit 3: A Turbulent Time
35. Which literary term describes one form of fourteen-line lyric poem?
A. an epic poem
B. an Italian sonnet
C. an epigram
D. a narrative poem
36. Which of these is a central figure in an epic poem?
A. a god or goddess
B. a wanderer
C. a woman
D. a hero
Vocabulary
37. Judging from the meaning of inter-, what is the meaning of interimin this sentence? Until a new election can be held, Bruce Chen will be the interim mayor.
A. one in between
B. newly elected
C. next in line
D. part-time
38. In which sentence is an archaic word used correctly?
A. How shall I love thy?
B. Thine eyes shine like emeralds.
C. You hast given me new life.
D. Thou words cut me to the quick.
39. What is the most likely meaning of primalin the following sentence? Being true to oneself is primal in making one’s way through life.
A. instinctive
B. necessary
C. to be desired
D. ranked highest
113
40. Judging from the meaning of -lum-, what is the meaning of luminescentin the following sentence? Seeing Foster’s luminescent smile, his friends did not have to ask if he had won.
A. shining
B. uncomfortable
C. puzzling
D. forced
41. What is the meaning of breachin the following sentence? Dr. Warren accused the hospital of a breach of contract in its refusal to pay him.
A. movement
B. change
C. honoring
D. breaking
42. What is the meaning of disorderin the following sentence, based on your knowledge of the meanings of the prefix dis-? The article in the medical journal described a disorder of the nervous system.
A. something related to the body
B. interruption of a procedure
C. problem of not functioning normally
D. illness with no apparent cause
Unit 3: A Turbulent Time
Vocabulary
43. Based on your knowledge of the Latin root -jec-, what does the word injectmean?
A. force into something
B. make a guess
C. throw away
D. send into the air
44. Which of the following words is related to political science?
A. oppose
B. patrician
C. scoundrels
D. enervating
233
45. Based on your knowledge of the Latin root -dict-, what does verdictmean?
A. a jury’s spoken decision
B. a rare book collection
C. a word from a song
D. a summary of a paragraph
46. If you know that circumnavigating the globe is traveling around it, what does the Latin prefix circum- mean?
A. travel
B. globe
C. under
D. around
47. Based on your knowledge of the Latin root -spec-, what does spectatormean?
A. an observer
B. an athlete
C. a shopper
D. a leader
48. Based on your knowledge of the prefix en-, what does enablemean?
A. weaken
B. make possible
C. agree to
D. go inside
Unit 4: Rebels and Dreamers-Literary Analysis and Reading Skills
49. What is the main purpose an author would have for using symbols?
A. to provide a concrete example of something intangible
B. to support a point by providing specific details
C. to appeal to the reader’s emotions
D. to create an unresolved puzzle
50. Which characteristic is typical of a lyric poem?
A. It has more than one speaker.
B. It expresses loss of faith in both science and reason.
C. It tells a story.
D. It conveys personal emotions and observations.
Read this selection from Wuthering Heights, a novel by nineteenth-century British author EmilyBrontë. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Yesterday afternoon set in misty and cold. I had half a mind to spend it by my study fire, instead of wading through heath1 and mud to Wuthering Heights. [Nevertheless,] I took my hat, and, after a four miles’ walk, arrived at Heathcliff’s garden gate just in time to escape the first feathery flakes of a snow shower.
On that bleak hilltop the earth was hard with a black frost, and the air made me shiver through every limb. Being unable to remove the chain, I jumped over, and, running up the flagged causeway bordered with straggling gooseberry bushes, knocked vainly for admittance, till my knuckles tingled, and the dogs
howled. . . .
51. What aspects of the setting show the influence of the Gothic tradition?
A. It is simple and rural.
B. It includes a sheep farm.
C. It is humble and shabby.
D. It is forbidding and frightening.
52. Based on the selection details, what do you predict Heathcliff will be like?
A. happy-go-lucky
B. creepy and troubled
C. childlike and innocent
D. rich and bored
80
Read these stanzas from “The Tables Turned” by William Wordsworth. Then, answer the questions that follow.
One impulse from a vernalwood
May teach you more of man,
Of moral evil and of good,
Than all the sages can.
Sweet is the lore which Nature brings;
Our meddling intellect
Misshapes the beauteous forms of thing:
We murder to dissect.
Enough of Science and of Art;
Close up these barren leaves;
Come forth, and bring with you a heart
That watches and receives.
53. What Romantic message about nature do the stanzas convey?
A. Nature does not care about human suffering.
B. Nature can be menacing as well as comforting.
C. Nature is the best teacher.
D. Nature renews itself every year.
54. Which of these qualities of English Romanticism do the stanzas display?
A. celebration of common people
B. an admiration for nature
C. loss of faith in reason and science
D. interest in the supernatural
55. How does the speaker’s style reflect the influence of English Romanticism?
A. He uses direct language to express strong feelings.
B. He is thoughtful and unemotional.
C. He speaks spontaneously, without much thought.
D. He is scientific and scholarly.
56. Which of the following is a quality of an effective guidebook?
A. It includes fictional information as well as facts about its subject.
B. It focuses on expressing strong personal feelings about its subject.
C. It provides historical and practical information about its subject.
D. It does not include any sort of illustration or graphic aid.
57. What do you call a drawing or plan that breaks down a larger topic by indicating all parts and explaining the relationship between them?
A. a dialect
B. an essay
C. a diagram
D. a guidebook
81
Vocabulary
58. Based on your understanding of the root -spir-, which phrase would best replace the word inspire?
A. to breathe into
B. to draw a circle
C. to take place
D. to add air to
59. To loatheis to find hateful or disgusting. Which of these do you think most people find loathsome?
A. an ugly insect
B. a skillful painting
C. a humorous comic
D. a gorgeous view
60. Based on your knowledge of the suffix -some, which meaning would you choose for the word worrisome?
A. annoying
B. final
C. tending to create anxiety
D. in a repeating pattern
61. Which of these words is related to the word phantasm?
A. fantastic
B. pharmacy
C. fan
D. frantic
62. From your understanding of words that come from the Greek atomos, what do you think an atomizeris?
A. a ghostly presence
B. a person who expresses doubt or uncertainty about something
C. a breathless wind
D. a device that shoots out a spray of small particles
Unit 4: Rebels and Dreamers
Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
All men will grant that the happiness of the human species is the most desirable object for human science to promote; and that intellectual and moral happiness or pleasure is extremely to be preferred to those which are precarious and transitory. The methods which may be proposed for the attainment of this object, are various. If it could be proved that a sound political institution was of all others the most powerful engine for promoting individual good, or on the other hand that an erroneous and corrupt government was the most formidable adversary to the improvement of the species, it would follow that politics was the first and most important subject of human investigation.
from Of the Importance of Political Institutions by William Godwin
63. What assumptions about society does the selection reveal?
A. Political institutions should promote human happiness.
B. Many different methods of government are appropriate.
C. Individual freedom is more important than social harmony.
D. Aristocrats are more capable in handling government business.
197
64. Why might the selection be described as political commentary?
A. It uses persuasive devices.
B. It offers opinions on political issues.
C. It presents one political preference.
D. It supports one type of political institution.
65. What can you do before reading to help you engage the material better?
A. ask someone to read it to you
B. assume that the author is not serious
C. discuss ideas for a paper on the topic
D. consider what you know about the topic
Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
It may fairly be questioned, whether government be not still more considerable in its incidental effects, than in those intended to be produced. Vice, for example, depends for its existence upon the existence of temptation. May not a good government strongly tend to extirpate [remove], and a bad one to
increase the mass of temptation? Again, vice depends for its existence upon the existence of error. May not a good government by taking away all restraints upon the enquiring mind hasten, and a bad one by its patronage of error procrastinate the discovery and establishment of truth?
from Of the Importance of Political Institutions by William Godwin
66. What argument does the author make about the existence of temptation in society?
A. The majority of people are tempted to do evil, regardless of the type of government.
B. Poor governments increase temptations to break the law.
C. When governments procrastinate, they lead citizens into criminal activities.
D. A government must be strong enough to control the activities of all its citizens.
67. Which of the following is most likely to be the subject of a social commentary?
A. weather patterns in parts of the country
B. treatment of children in the workplace
C. entertainment personality updates
D. highlights from sporting events
198
Vocabulary
68. Based on your knowledge of the Latin suffix -age, what does the word pilgrimagemean?
A. condition of age
B. settling in America
C. state of being imprisoned
D. journey to a sacred place
69. If you are an impulsiveshopper, what do you often do when you are in a store?
A. ask other people’s advice about buying things
B. buy things on the spur of the moment
C. shop only on rare occasions
D. take lots of time to consider each purchase
70. If the food at a picnic is plenteous, which of the following is true?
A. There may not be enough food.
B. There is more than enough food.
C. The food is attracting insects.
D. The food does not taste good.
71. Which of the following materials is porous?
A. a kitchen sponge
B. a wall clock
C. a light bulb
D. a ceiling fan
72. Based on the meaning of the root word -journ-, which of the following offers the best description of a sojourn?
A. a time of rest
B. an essay
C. travel abroad
D. a guidebook
73. If you have just adjourneda meeting, what will most of the people in the room do?
A. raise their hands with questions
B. quiet down and listen to you
C. tell you whether or not they can attend
D. get up and leave the room
74. Based on the meaning of the Latin root -dec-, how are the individuals in a deciledivided?
A. into groups of 5
B. into groups of 10
C. into groups of 50
D. into groups of 100
199
75. Based on the meaning of the Latin root -fort-, what kind of a structure is a fortification?
A. small and delicate
B. elaborate and elegant
C. strong and secure
D. artistic and creative
Unit 5: Progress and Decline-Literary Analysis and Reading Skills
Read the poem. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Oh, to be in England
Now that April’s there,
And whoever wakes in England
Sees, some morning, unaware,
That the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf
Round the elm-tree bole are in tiny leaf,
While the chaffinch sings on the orchard bough
In England—now!
“Home-Thoughts, from Abroad”
by Robert Browning
76. What is the poet’s message?
A. The chaffinch likes to sing in an orchard.
B. Spring is a beautiful season.
C. It is wonderful to be in England in the spring.
D. England has unique trees to view.
77. What inference can you make about the speaker based on the mood of the poem?
A. The speaker is a naturalist.
B. The speaker is Robert Browning.
C. The speaker is English.
D. The speaker misses England.
78. What conclusion can you draw about the chaffinch?
A. The chaffinch is found in England.
B. The chaffinch awakens in the evenings.
C. The chaffinch has a lovely song.
D. The chaffinch is a rare and precious bird.
79. Which word best describes the mood of the poem?
A. joyous
B. longing
C. bitter
D. sad
136
80. In a novel of social criticism, what is the author’s main purpose?
A. to explain
B. to persuade
C. to describe
D. to inform
81. What is the goal of journalistic essays?
A. to reveal the author’s personal feelings
B. to expose wrongdoing
C. to describe other writers
D. to provide opinions on important events
82. Which of the following sentences includes emotive language?
A. Pollution is a cruel example of what we have done to mother earth.
B. Seen from space, the earth looks like a blue marble.
C. Our planet is mostly water but also contains masses of land.
D. Scientists study species to determine which ones have become extinct.
83. Why do writers use emotive language?
A. to express their biases
B. for emotional effect
C. to make facts more interesting
D. for important subjects
Vocabulary
84. What is the origin of many medieval English words, such as knight?
A. Slavic
B. Greek
C. Anglo-Saxon
D. Old Norse
85. Based on your knowledge of the Latin suffix -ence, how would a person act who displays reticenceabout discussing his or her personal life?
A. He or she would be hesitant.
B. He or she would be talkative.
C. He or she would be joyous.
D. He or she would be secretive.
86. Based on your knowledge of the Greek prefix mono-, what does monotonemean?
A. an ugly sound
B. a duet
C. a single tone of voice
D. a tuning chord
87. If you know that someone who is overbearing is domineering, what is the mostly likely meaning of the Latin root -domi-?
A. weight
B. half
C. truth
D. world
88. Based on the context of the following sentence, what is the most likely definition for the italicized word that has to do with the bodily humors?
Jodi had failed her driving test once before, but she had studied hard this time, so she was sanguine.
A. hopeful
B. doubtful
C. uncertain
D. lazy
139
89. Based on your knowledge of the Latin root -terr(a)-, what does terraqueousmean?
A. all water
B. all land
C. land and water
D. air and water
90. Which phrase is synonymous with “coined word”?
A. word having to do with money
B. invented word
C. poetic word
D. word that is defined
Unit 6: A Time of Rapid Change-Literary Analysis and Reading Strategy
Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
The cheese-mites asked how the cheese got there,
And warmly debated the matter;
The Orthodox said that it came from the air,
And the Heretics said from the platter.
They argued it long and they argued it strong,
And I hear they are arguing now;
But of all the choice spirits who lived in the cheese,
Not one of them thought of a cow.
“A Parable” by Arthur Conan Doyle
91. In the early twentieth century, what were Modernist poems a reaction to?
A. changing opinions about education
B. a confusing, fragmented world
C. a return to simpler ways of life
D. the rise of the middle class
92. Which of these does the cheese in this selection likely symbolize?
A. religious faith
B. the world
C. food
D. ideas
93. Which lines from the selection best help you interpret the poem’s theme?
A. lines 1 and 2
B. lines 3 and 4
C. lines 5 and 6
D. lines 7 and 8
94. Which of these best defines theme in a literary work?
A. the central concern of the work
B. the author’s attitude toward the subject
C. a reader’s response to the work
D. the overall mood of a work
Vocabulary
95. Based on your knowledge of the root -ques-, what is the meaning of questin the following sentence: “The knights in the story were on a quest for the Holy Grail”?
A. battle
B. errand
C. search
D. ship
96. What is the meaning of fracturedin the following sentence, based on your knowledge of the root -fract-? The fractured marriage of the two celebrities came as no surprise to the public.
A. secret
B. sudden
C. broken
D. unlikely
97. Based on your knowledge of the root -top-, what is the meaning of topographicalin the following sentence? From a desk drawer, Ted withdrew topographical maps of New Zealand.
A. describing political groups
B. showing surface features
C. showing major cities
D. covering various subjects
96
98. With which of these is the word dominionin the following sentence most likely connected? The villagers feared dominion by the king, who was said to be cruel.
A. politics
B. science
C. mathematics
D. philosophy
99. Based on your knowledge of the root -loc-, what is the meaning of localein the following sentence? Jade figured that a college campus was the perfect locale for a climbing gym?
A. excuse
B. plan
C. reason
D. place
Unit 6: A Time of Rapid Change-Literary Analysis and Reading Skills
100. Which of the following is an example of a cultural conflict?
A. a child wants to take on social responsibilities that he or she may be too young to handle
B. an immigrant wants a child to follow old-country customs that the child wants to abandon
C. a farm family battles to save its small farm from the company that is trying to buy it
D. a college graduate struggles to come to a decision about which career path to follow
Read this speech. Then, answer the questions that follow.
(1) A hundred years ago today, Governor James Morris passed into law the Helping Hand Act to help the citizens of our state at a time of great need. (2) Flood had ravaged much of the region; lives had been devastated; homes and businesses had been destroyed. (3) The Helping Hand Act provided funds
for food, water, temporary shelter, cleanup, and construction. (4) Today, our state is again facing great devastation. (5) People are losing higher-paying jobs in record numbers. (6) As governor of your state, I have therefore chosen to follow in the footsteps of James Morris, proposing a bill to deal with this crisis.
(7) I call this bill the Second Helping. (8) I call on all good citizens of our state to give this bill their support, and I call on our state legislators to pass it.
101. What is the main point made in this speech?
A. The state legislature is no longer the honorable body that it once was.
B. The speaker cares for the citizens and hopes to be reelected.
C. The state needs Second Helping today just as it needed the Helping Hand Act in the past.
D. James Morris was a great governor of the past.
102. What is the occasion of this speech?
A. the hundredth anniversary of passage of the Helping Hand Act
B. the annual opening of the state legislature
C. the need to persuade voters to reelect the governor
D. a gathering of political supporters working on the governor’s reelection
103. Which of these questions should a listener ask about how this speech might affect citizens?
A. Why did the governor call the plan Second Helping?
B. What is the role of the state legislature?
C. When did James Morris serve as governor?
D. How much of a tax increase does the governor’s plan involve?
1
Read this short story. Then, answer the questions that follow.
When the British-Nigerian Petroleum Company sent a crew to Okike to hunt for oil, the people of Okike were thrilled about the boost it would give their economy. Then they saw that the crew planned to dig right across the path leading to their ancestral burying ground. An old villager came to John Drake, the head of the crew. “You must not dig there,” he told Drake, “for that is the path on which our dead relatives leave this world and our new children come in. “I will explain with a little story. This same path goes through the hospital grounds, and the villagers have always had the right of way. One year a new administrator came. He put up a fence to keep villagers from walking across the hospital grounds. There were three women in the hospital due to have babies. The babies did not come. No one could explain why they were late. Finally, many villagers tore down the fence and began walking the path again.” “And what happened next?” asked Drake. “The babies were born soon afterwards,” said the old man, “or so I am told—for I was one of them.” “All right,” said Drake, respectfully. “We will bypass your path.” “Then you are welcome to begin,” said the old man.
104. What is the central conflict of the story?
A. traditional customs vs. modern commercial ways
B. people who do not value wealth vs. people who do
C. an older generation vs. a younger generation
D. a known language vs. an unfamiliar language
105. Which of these plot devices does the story contain?
A. stream of consciousness
B. surprise ending
C. multiple versions of the same events
D. story within a story
106. Which statement best expresses the theme of the story?
A. Human beings can take comfort from nature if they learn to appreciate its beauty.
B. Birth and death are both key parts in the natural cycle of life.
C. Modern life goes more smoothly when traditional beliefs and values are respected.
D. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Read this excerpt from a story. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Brenda had not seen her old home in some time but had heard that the new owner was having a lot of work done. Now she wheeled her chair down the road to see for herself. Oh, what a ridiculous gate stood at the foot of the drive! And the driveway had become a sweeping semicircle. Her father had built this house, and now it was being turned into a pretentious mansion. And was that a pool house they were building? For a heated indoor monstrosity! Her thoughts were interrupted by the sight of a middle-aged man walking down the drive—the new owner, she supposed. “Hello,” Brenda said. “I was curious to see what you were building. My dad built this house. I live down the road now.”
“You’re welcome to take a look,” the man said. “Gate’s a bit much, isn’t it? Contractor went overboard, I’m afraid. And we had the driveway redone to make room for the pool house.” “That will be nice,” Brenda replied, a false smile pasted on her face. “It will, indeed. For my wife’s daily swims. She’s in a wheelchair just like you . . . the doctor recommended light swimming.” His smile was genuine. “You might come by and join her, if you can. I mean, you’re more than welcome.” Brenda was shocked. How wrong about this man she had been!
107. Where in the selection does Brenda’s stream of consciousness start?
A. the sentence beginning, “Oh, what a ridiculous gate”
B. the sentence beginning, “And the driveway”
C. the sentence beginning, “Her father had built”
D. the sentence beginning, “I was curious”
108. Which of these pictures do the selection details paint?
A. a huge mansion with a pool house being constructed beside it
B. a road across an empty landscape, with a single home on it
C. an overly decorated gate at the foot of a semicircular driveway
D. a middle-aged woman in a wheelchair who lives in a mansion
109. Which of these experiences can best help you relate to the character of Brenda?
A. moving to a new home
B. swimming in an indoor pool
C. studying local architecture
D. visiting a place you recall from childhood
110. What epiphany does Brenda have at the end of the selection?
A. She realizes that she is more independent than she thought.
B. She realizes that her old home has not changed very much at all.
C. She realizes that it is time to stop thinking about the past.
D. She realizes that she has completely misjudged the new owner.
Vocabulary
111. Which of the following is generally a laudableachievement?
A. winning a prize
B. tripping over a rock
C. falling asleep
D. losing a glove
224
112. Which of the following are durablegoods?
A. marshmallows
B. tissue paper
C. refrigerators
D. oranges
113. Based on your understanding of the Latin root -mort-, what is a mortalillness?
A. an illness that goes on for a long time
B. an illness that puzzles doctors
C. a childhood illness
D. an illness that generally results in death
114. Based on your understanding of the Latin root -vinc-, what is an invinciblearmy?
A. an army that has just been defeated
B. an army that cannot be defeated
C. an army that needs better leadership
D. an army that needs better supplies
115. Which of these adjectives best describes a person who is a skeptic?
A. enthusiastic
B. innocent
C. doubting
D. unwise
116. The Latin root -vert- or -vers- can mean “to turn.” Which of these words probably means “turned against the speaker” or “opposite from what was previously stated”?
A. obverse
B. transverse
C. divert
D. vertical
117. Which sentence uses whoor whomcorrectly?
A. The character whom the novel explores in depth is an old woman.
B. The woman, who we meet in the first chapter, tells a story within the story.
C. She is the character about who we learn through stream of consciousness.
D. After her epiphany, she is no longer the person whom she was before.
Unit 6: A Time of Rapid Change
Read this short story. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Father, a man of rigid ways, grew even more rigid after Mother died. He sat brooding over the state of England. A diehard Tory, he believed in neither government assistance programs nor charity. “People should do for themselves,” was his motto. “Gives them stamina!” Then the Second World War broke out, and even Father realized that he had to pitch in a little. He agreed to house children being evacuated from London’s East End, which the Germans were bombing heavily. “Don’t know what I’ll do with ’em,” Father grumbled. “Two lads coming. Foreigners, no doubt. Likely to stink of cabbage and garlic.” Six months later, when I again had leave, I took the train up and found Father at dinner with young Jacob and Leon Sutton. After introductions were made, I noticed several of the dishes. “Cabbage, Father?” I asked.
“Well, yes, like to make the lads feel at home,” Father explained a bit sheepishly. “And it turns out I make a nice little cabbage dish!”
“And do I detect garlic in the meat?” I asked, a twinkle in my eye. “Eat it, Tom; it’s good for you,” Father ordered. “Gives you stamina!”
118. What change occurs in the story’s most dynamic character or characters?
A. The father loses his rigid attitudes and becomes more open minded.
B. The son realizes that his father is not the powerful person he once was.
C. The Sutton boys escape the dangers of war-torn London.
D. The Germans attack part of the city of London.
119. How does the first-person narration affect our understanding of the story’s characters?
A. We learn all the details of the father’s internal conflict.
B. We learn all the details of the war and its effects on the Sutton boys.
C. We do not learn all the details of the father’s internal conflict.
D. We do not learn the son’s thoughts and perceptions about his father.
120. How does the central conflict help dramatize or illustrate the theme?
A. The father’s internal struggle with his prejudices reflects the theme of social change.
B. The Sutton boys’ struggle to survive reflects the theme of survival during warfare.
C. The son’s struggle with enemy forces reflects his need to understand his father.
D. The government’s request for help from people reflects the change in the nation.
121. How is the theme enhanced by the historical context of World War II?
A. The war advances the fields of science and technology.
B. The war brings people in England together, creating a climate for social change.
C. The war causes the son to reevaluate his relationship with his father.
D. The war teaches the characters the survival skills they need.
Read this brief prophetic essay. Then, answer the questions that follow.
(1) In the not-too-distant future, computer use will become even more widespread than it is today. (2) Tiny computer chips in your clothing will monitor your health and body temperature; computer chips in your wristwatch will allow you to use the Internet. (3) Your refrigerator will tell you when you are low on milk and will even contact the local supermarket computer to place your order.3(4) Yet the Computer Age is not without its drawbacks. (5) Computer usage will limit physical exercise, so that obesity is bound to become even more of a health problem. (6) In addition, the use of computers will mean a loss of millions of jobs. (7) For example, instead of using a travel agent to book a trip, more people will book it directly on the Internet. (8) Computerized robots will come to assist more and more workers. (9) However, jobs requiring judgment and common sense will still be done by human beings.
122. Which statement best summarizes the prediction the writer makes in this essay?
A. Computers will be used more in the future, bringing both advantages and drawbacks.
B. In the near future, there will be more computer chips practically everywhere.
C. The Computer Age is not without its drawbacks.
D. Computers can never replace human beings in tasks requiring judgment.
123. Which of the following sentences gives the strongest warning about a problem in the future?
A. sentence 2
B. sentence 3
C. sentence 4
D. sentence 5
124. In judging the writer’s message in sentence 5, which of these personal experiences would it be best for the reader to consider?
A. experiences with high-protein crash diets
B. experiences with weight problems caused by lack of exercise
C. experiences with using computers for on-line shopping
D. experiences learning how to drive
125. In challenging the statement in sentence 6, which phrase should you most question?
A. In addition
B. the use of computers
C. a loss
D. millions of
Vocabulary
126. Given the meaning of -vol-and the context clues in this sentence, what does volitionmeans?
No persuasion was necessary; she did her homework based on her own volition.
A. self-control
B. enjoyment
C. forced behavior
D. free will
361
127. Based on your knowledge of Latin roots, why do you think some dogs are named Fido?
A. to emphasize their speed
B. to emphasize their beauty
C. to emphasize their loyalty
D. to emphasize their loud bark
128. Which of the following is a patronizingremark?
A. That’s a nice gold chain you’re wearing; I didn’t realize you could afford one.
B. I never buy gold chains because I cannot afford them.
C. I am not sure why people bother wearing gold chains instead of buying more sensible things.
D. I couldn’t afford to buy a gold chain, but I could afford a silver one.
129. From your knowledge of the prefix a-, how do you think atonalmusic would sound?
A. sweet and melodic
B. harsh and clashing
C. memorable
D. catchy but loud
130. From your knowledge of the word parts -duc-and -ible, what is a deductibleexpense?
A. one that you can remove from the total
B. one that you add to the total
C. one that you would like to avoid
D. one that you cannot avoid
131. Explain how the meaning of the Latin root -fil-is reflected in the word affiliation.
A. An affiliation suggests a close relationship.
B. An affiliation suggests deep feelings of love.
C. An affiliation suggests involvement in a charity.
D. An affiliation suggests deep dislike.